DDD pacing

diaphragmatic pacing

Controlled electrical stimulation of the muscles of the diaphragm, used to treat hypoventilation syndromes. It may be done directly or indirectly (via stimulation of the phrenic nerve).

epicardial pacing

Electrical pacing of the heart by conductive leads inserted surgically, usually during bypass graft or valvular operations. The leads are used in the postoperative period for the management of heart blocks or dysrhythmias and are removed as the patient stabilizes.

gastric electrical pacing

noninvasive pacing

overdrive pacing

Using a pacemaker to generate a heart rate that is faster than the spontaneous heart rate of the patient. This is used in attempts to capture and terminate tachycardias or, in some cases, to try to trigger and study tachycardias in patients who have suffered them in the past.

synchronous pacing

Cardiac pacing set at a rate matching the underlying rate of one of the heart chambers.

transchest pacing

transcutaneous pacing

The application of an electrical current between electrodes placed on the skin to stimulate the heart to beat. Typically, the electrodes are placed on the anterior and posterior chest, or to the right of the sternum and below the clavicle and on the midaxillary line at the level of the sixth to seventh ribs. SYN: SEE: external pacing; SEE: external thoracic pacing; SEE: noninvasive pacing; SEE: transchest pacing